With winter just around the corner, it’s a good time to start preparing your Ford Fusion for the harsh weather conditions the season brings. Let’s discuss how to prepare your car and why it’s crucial to get an early start.
Emergency Supplies
There are several tools and other supplies that you should keep in your Ford Fusion in preparation for winter weather. Make sure to keep a shovel, broom, ice scraper, and jumper cables on hand. Spreading kitty litter under your tires provides traction on slick surfaces, so keep a bag in the trunk. If you have to call for emergency assistance, you’ll want to have blankets and high-calorie non-perishable food while you wait.
A flashlight, flares, and a first-aid kit are good to have in any season but are especially necessary for winter. You’ll also want to spare charged batteries for your smartphone. Always make sure that your Fusion’s gas tank is full to prevent the gas lines from freezing. The windshield wiper reservoir should stay full as well, so be sure to pack a spare bottle of wiper fluid. Check your emergency supplies before winter weather hits, as you don’t want to get caught off-guard in an emergency.
Check Your Fusion
It’s essential to check your Fusion’s windshield wipers and lights to ensure they are in good working order. You don’t want to get caught in a snowstorm with malfunctioning lights or wipers. Make sure that the cars engine coolant and antifreeze are at appropriate levels. Consult your owner’s manual to see how much antifreeze you should add. Your Fusion’s battery should be tested to see if it properly holds a charge. If it doesn’t, you should purchase a new battery as soon as possible. Be sure to have any necessary repairs completed before severe winter weather arrives.
Snow Tires
You might want to consider equipping your Fusion with snow tires. They can make all the difference when driving through snow, sleet, and ice. If you were thinking about putting chains on your tires, you should know that they are not suitable for driving on highways or other high-speed roads.
Always make sure that your snow tires are the right size for your car. You can consult your owner’s manual to see what size you should buy. You can save money by purchasing used snow tires, but if you do, make sure that all four tires match. Mismatched tires are unsafe to drive on.
Winter Oil Change
As cold weather sets in, it’s a good idea to switch a winter-grade oil for your Fusion’s next oil change. Winter temperatures can prevent regular-grade from flowing properly through the car’s engine. This improper flow can cause extensive damage. If you perform your own oil changes, the appropriate oil is listed in your owners manual. Otherwise, just let your mechanic know that you want winter-grade oil.
These are just some of the steps you should take to ready your Fusion for the winter. By preparing ahead of time, you’ll be able to drive with peace of mind.
Image from ford.com
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